News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
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Sponsored Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers a prospect full of excitement and adventure, but in the same vein, if any injuries were to occur (and god forbid it does), the local healthcare system can be confusing at first glance for many expats...
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Shell shock: Coconut factory fire sparks highway pileup
Smoke billowing from a fire at a coconut fibre factory led to a series of rear-end collisions on a major highway, causing a traffic jam stretching several kilometres. Firefighters took over four hours to control the blaze. Yesterday, January 5, police in Prachuap Khiri Khan received reports of a fire at a coconut fibre production facility located along the southbound…
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Bitcoin soars as ETFs and halving spark a crypto frenzy
Bitcoin soared to dizzying heights last year, propelled by a swarm of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) introduced in January and April’s dramatic supply-halving event. These triggers, combined with a surge of interest from institutional investors, catapulted Bitcoin into the limelight, transforming it into a mainstream asset category. The crypto kingpin shattered records, peaking at an astounding US$100,000 in early…
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Locals question legality of luxury camping tents on Jomtien Beach
Camping tents and luxury setups on Jomtien Beach has whipped locals into a frenzy, expressing concerns over its legality. On January 4, residents in Pattaya reported these tent installations along the Jomtien stretch, questioning their compliance with Thai laws and regulations. Upon investigation, it was discovered that several businesses had transformed sections of Jomtien Beach into makeshift camping grounds with…
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Thai university student crashes car, damages 12 electricity poles
A 20 year old university student crashed his car into electricity poles along Kanchanaphisek Road, damaging 12 poles and three cars, due to drowsiness caused by antihistamines, a medicine used to treat allergy symptoms. Officers from Phetchakasem Police Station were alerted to the accident at a curve on Kanchanaphisek Road yesterday, January 5. Upon arrival, officers found a damaged blue…
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Young man killed over debt dispute in Sisaket village
A tragic incident unfolded yesterday in the village of Ban Na, Khun Han district, Sisaket province, when a 25 year old man, Natthaphon, was fatally stabbed. This occurred following an altercation over an unsettled debt, leading to a chaotic confrontation and ending in his death. The suspect fled the scene on a motorcycle, prompting a police investigation. The early hours…
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Thaksin sparks outrage with racist remarks in Chiang Rai
The former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, delivered a controversial speech containing racist remarks about international models from Africa while supporting his daughter and Pheu Thai Party members in the Provincial Administrative Organisation chief election campaign in the northern province of Chiang Rai. Thaksin has taken a prominent role in the local election campaign in Chiang Rai as his…
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Bangkok fire leaves elderly man injured, son suspected of arson
A devastating fire engulfed a community in the heart of Bangkok, leaving a 73 year old man trapped and injured. Eyewitnesses suspect the homeowner’s son, who was seen watching the blaze, of starting the fire. Police later detained him. The blaze broke out yesterday, January 5, at 8.20pm in a residential area within Soi Bang Khae 14, on Bang Khae-Bang…
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Vow-ndalism: Bride-to-be wrecks fiancé’s home over unpaid dowry
Pa Faek subdistrict in Phon Charoen district, Bueng Kan province, became the centre of a domestic drama when a bride-to-be went on a rampage, demolishing her future husband’s home over an unpaid dowry. The incident unfolded the 22 year old woman, Wanida, was left fuming when her fiancé, 23 year old Wasan, could only muster up 50,000 baht instead of…
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Purr-fect comeback: Tiger spotted in Kui Buri after a decade
A significant milestone in wildlife conservation has been achieved at Kui Buri National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan, as a tiger has been captured on camera returning to the area for the first time in over 10 years. Park officials successfully captured images of the tiger using wildlife camera traps set up near Khao Khan Hok and Khao Sam Chan, close…
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Spanish tourist’s dream trip turns deadly at Thai elephant care centre
In a heart-wrenching incident, a 22 year old Spanish tourist tragically lost her life after being attacked by an elephant she was bathing in Thailand. The shocking event unfolded at the Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre in the picturesque Phang Nga province’s Koh Yao district. During what was supposed to be a serene bathing session, things took a horrific turn…
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Blue Suzuki Swift’s shocking turn leaves Bangkok in the dark
Bangkok was thrown into chaos yesterday after a blue Suzuki Swift crash led to a major power outage. The scene of destruction unfolded early yesterday morning, as 12 power poles came crashing down like dominoes. The spectacle began at around 8am, January 5, at the notorious Wee Liam bend on Kanchanaphisek Road, right in the heart of the Bang Khae…
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Couple arrested smuggling 24 Myanmar immigrants in 22-wheel truck
Police apprehended a couple driving a 22-wheel truck carrying 24 illegal immigrants from Myanmar, who were attempting to enter Thailand unlawfully. The pair confessed to picking up the immigrants from the roadside near the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot. The incident unfolded when officers from the Narasuan Task Force, together with local police, conducted a routine vehicle check at…
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Pattaya nightclub raid finds drug use, breaks curfew
Police in Pattaya conducted a significant raid on a nightclub located on the bustling Walking Street early this morning, January 5. The operation targeted Club Panda, which was operating beyond its legal hours, revealing traces of drug abuse among patrons. At approximately 3.30am, a contingent of 100 police and administrative officials descended upon the club, discovering over 300 patrons, both…
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Police fatally shoot patient wielding axe at Surin Hospital
A tragic incident unfolded at Surin Hospital where a 27 year old patient, recovering from surgery, was shot and killed by police after brandishing a weapon. Local police reported the unfortunate event took place within a patient ward on the hospital’s fourth floor. The patient, identified only as Apichai, had recently undergone an appendectomy. During his recovery, he inexplicably armed…
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Foreigner dies in Phuket motorbike crash after losing control
A tragic accident occurred in Phuket yesterday morning, December 4, resulting in the death of a foreign man who lost control of his motorbike and crashed into a guardrail in Kathu. The incident took place on Wichit Songkhram Road, with local police responding to the scene around 7.30am. Upon arrival, Kathu Police and rescue workers found a severely damaged Honda…
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Bang Yai nightclub accused of misusing patron ID card photos
A significant controversy has emerged around a popular nightclub in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi, after reports surfaced about the venue allegedly taking photographs of patrons’ identification cards, sparking concerns over data misuse linked to online gambling invitations. The issue came to light when a prominent social media page revealed that the nightclub was operating until 4am and allegedly distributing customer ID…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain and cold weather warning
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued warnings for 10 provinces in Thailand to prepare for heavy rainfall due to a monsoon. Northern Thailand is experiencing a drop in temperature by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius, along with strong winds. A high-pressure system, accompanied by a relatively strong cold air mass, is currently affecting upper Thailand, the upper southern region,…
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Four injured in Bang Lamung multi-vehicle crash on S.R. Road
A significant accident involving multiple vehicles occurred yesterday, January 4, in Bang Lamung, drawing attention to road safety in the area. At 7.16am, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya responded to reports of a serious collision on S.R. Road. The accident left four individuals injured and involved a white pickup truck, a second pickup, and a trailer truck.…
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Russian tourist stabbed in Pattaya convenience store incident
A Russian tourist was injured in a stabbing incident that occurred at a convenience store on Jomtien Second Road in Pattaya. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre received the emergency call at 2am yesterday, January 4, detailing the injuries sustained by 39 year old Denis Rumiantsev, who suffered a knife wound to his left leg. The bleeding was severe, prompting…
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Thailand police seize 121 cars linked to illegal gambling network
Police officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) have seized 121 vehicles linked to a significant online gambling network dismantled two years ago. This operation, which took place yesterday, January 4. Officers, equipped with warrants from the Nonthaburi provincial court, conducted searches at a residence and a car showroom in Nonthaburi’s Pak Kret district. Their investigation led to the…
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Four Thai fishermen still held in Myanmar after mass prisoner release
Four Thai fishing vessel crew members remain detained in Myanmar, despite the release of 151 Thai prisoners. These individuals were apprehended in late November by Myanmar soldiers, accused of trespassing into Myanmar waters. The group of 151 Thai nationals, repatriated yesterday, January 4, via the second Thai-Myanmar friendship bridge in Chiang Rai, were part of a larger amnesty granted by…
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Bangkok intensifies efforts to combat severe dust pollution
Bangkok‘s ongoing struggle with dust pollution has prompted the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to intensify its efforts to tackle the issue. The capital is set to endure high dust levels, with relief not expected until next month. Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok’s governor, revealed that discussions took place at the Hua Hin Royal Rainmaking Centre earlier this week, focusing on strategies to…
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Thai police officers reassigned over Chinese volunteer training probe
Two high-ranking Thai police officers have been reassigned to inactive roles following their involvement in a contentious volunteer police training programme aimed at Chinese nationals. The programme, which charged each participant 38,000 baht (US$1,100), has come under scrutiny, prompting the transfer of the officers to the operations centre of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) as investigations continue. The officers involved…
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Cost to move from the US to Thailand: A complete expat budget guide
Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you’re transitioning from the USA to Thailand. You might be dreaming of sandy beaches and bustling markets, but before you pack your bags, it’s crucial to understand the costs involved in this big change. From shipping your belongings to planning your travel and finding accommodations, every detail…
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Elderly driver crashes into oil tanker in Lampang, 2 dead
An elderly driver lost control of a pickup truck, crashing into the rear of an oil tanker, resulting in significant damage and the death of two individuals, with two more sustaining injuries. The incident occurred yesterday, January 3 on Phaholyothin Road, in the Mae Kua area, Sop Prap district, Lampang province. Police, as well as the Lampang Rescue Association, the…
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Mistaken identity: Teens attacked outside Udon Thani police station
A tragic incident unfolded outside Ban Dung Police Station in Udon Thani province as a group of teenagers allegedly attacked an 18 year old and his 16 year old friend, leaving them with severe injuries. The altercation, which occurred at 3.13am yesterday, January 3, resulted in the older teenager suffering a brain haemorrhage. The motive behind the assault remains unclear,…
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Tourists get intimate on tuk tuk despite driver’s warnings (video)
A video involving tourists engaging in intimate behaviour on a tuk tuk has sparked widespread online criticism. Despite being cautioned by the driver to stop, the tourists continued, leading the driver to let the incident unfold. The incident was shared on social media yesterday, January 3, by a Facebook user named Somnuck Chanagune who posted a 34-second clip with the caption,…
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Meth-high man attacks cleaner at Khon Kaen tutoring centre
A 27 year old man attacked a cleaner with a knife at a tutoring centre in Nong Phai, Khon Kaen, driven by a paranoid belief that she had photographed his secrets. The victim, 43 year old Panicha, suffered a deep wound on the left side of her neck and was given first aid before being rushed to Srinakarin Hospital for…
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Ayutthaya: Hotel worker killed in crash riding bike in wrong direction
A 50 year old hotel employee riding a motorcycle in the wrong direction was fatally struck by a pickup truck. The incident took place yesterday, January 3, on the outbound Asian Highway near kilometre marker 33 in Bang Pahan district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. Piyapong Sirijanyatham, a police officer from Bang Pahan Police Station, received the report of the…
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Officer down: Cop shot dead outside Bangkok barbershop
A tragic event unfolded when a police officer was fatally shot outside a barbershop in Saimai, Bangkok, following a heated altercation with another individual. The incident occurred yesterday, January 3 at around 8pm on Chalerm Phong Road in the Saimai district. The victim, Burang Kasapon, a Deputy Inspector at Saimai Police Station, was shot multiple times and was in critical…
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